Standards & Labels

Product energy-efficiency standards and labeling (S&L) programs have the potential to greatly reduce the energy consumption of specific appliances, equipment, lighting, and other devices. The SEAD Initiative’s 17 participating governments work collaboratively to accelerate and strengthen the implementation of S&L programs around the world.

What are Standards & Labels?

Energy-efficiency standards require that all products on the market achieve a minimum level of energy efficiency. Standards help bring more efficient products to the marketplace, and they frequently reduce energy costs for both individuals and businesses.

Energy labels help consumers make informed purchase decisions, clearly identifying efficient products while also educating consumers about the benefits of greater efficiency.

All SEAD member governments have put standards or labels in place for a wide range of products. In a few economies, S&L programs now cover more than 40 distinct product categories, accounting for the majority of energy use in residential and commercial buildings, as well as significant energy uses in other sectors. Efficiency standards implemented in SEAD economies since 2010 could, by 2030, save up to 710 TWh per year, enough electricity to power New York City for more than four years.

The table below identifies several product areas that are covered by S&L programs in select SEAD economies. For more details on these S&L programs, as well as information on S&L programs in other economies, search CLASP's Global S&L Database.

Projects

The SEAD Data Access Project seeks to address problems stemming from the use of many different data types and formats by S&L programs around the world.